Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors in Oslo, Norway as it plays a crucial role in safeguarding skin health and preventing sunburn, particularly during the brighter months. With Oslo’s Dfc climate, characterized by distinct seasonal variations, it’s important to stay aware of UV levels, especially when they peak at 5 between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM. Grasping these levels not only helps in enjoying outdoor activities safely but also promotes long-term skin health and reduces the risk of skin damage. Whether you’re exploring the stunning fjords or soaking up the sun in one of Oslo’s many parks, being mindful of the UV Index can help you enjoy the beauty of Norway while protecting your skin.
As the day begins, the UV Index starts at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM, making for a gentle welcome to the sun. By 8:00 AM, it rises to 2, and peaks just before noon with a noticeable 5 between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM, indicating potential harm from unprotected sun exposure. The intensity gradually starts to decline after 1:00 PM, easing back down to 4 by 3:00 PM and tapering off to 2 at 6:00 PM. As the sun begins to set, it dips back to 1 by 7:00 PM, signaling a safe end to the day's UV exposure. Remember to stay protected during peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences notable seasonal changes, peaking during the summer months. From January to February, UV levels remain low (Index 1-2), allowing for a safe burn time of 45 minutes. As spring approaches in March, the index rises to 3, indicating a moderate exposure risk with a reduced burn time of 30 minutes, which continues into April and May. By June and July, UV levels escalate to 7, categorized as high, and the burn time decreases to just 25 minutes, marking this as a high-risk period for sun exposure. The UV Index begins to decline in August (Index 5) and remains moderate until September (Index 4), before returning to low levels in October, November, and December (Index 1-2, with burn times of 45 minutes). Consequently, residents and visitors are advised to take extra precautions during the summer months, particularly from June to July, by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen to prevent sunburn and skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trondheim UVI | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Bergen UVI | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Oslo | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Drammen UVI | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Stavanger UVI | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 |